Guest Author - Michelle R. Mangio
The Gold Coast of southern Queensland, Australia has long been popular with surfers. Surfer's Paradise, the original haven and mecca of the surfing world Down Under, is located here, and there are many great surf locations. For any surfer visiting Australia, a stop at the Gold Coast - as well as a few other choice surfing locations - is sure to be on any itinerary.
But for the true surfing fans, there's a new attraction: Surf World Gold Coast. Just recently opened in Corrumbin, Queensland on the southern Gold Coast, Surf World is a museum dedicated to the history and evolution of the surfinig industry and surfers and beach culture in general. Over 100 surfboards showcasing the evolution of design and technology of surfboards, from the 1930s through today, are on display, including photographs of early surf scenes and current work by world-renowned surf photographers.
For those interested in making a day of museum and attraction-going, Surf World is located on the first floor of Honeyworld, opposite Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
In addition to the on-going attractions, the museum hopes to keep surf culture active and alive (if indoors!) with a series of ongoing speakers, displays, and events that promote interest in surfing history and in surfing as it is today. Some past and recent examples include a "Shaper's Night at the Museum" attended by the who's who of surfboard shapers of the Gold Coast, including the legendary Bob McTavish, inventor of the vee-bottom surfboard (among many other amazing surfing accomplishments).
Surf World Gold Coast has an ongoing partnership with its sister museum, Surf World Torquay, located in the surf-mecca of Torquay in Victoria, Australia. Surf World Torquay, the original surf museum of Australia, is also home to the Surfing Hall of Fame. For surfer fans looking to visit both Torquay and the Gold Coast during their journeys in Australia, be sure to take advantage of this partnership and enjoy a bit of surfing history.
Surfing and beach culture are a large part of the Australian way of life, and the new Surf World Gold Coast celebrates that lifestyle. Be sure to check it out!
